Frozen Pipe Prevention While On the Go

Don't let this happen to you! Do you know the three main causes of
frozen pipes? Unexpected drops in temperature, poor insulation, and thermostats
set at too low of a temperature are the common culprits. Homeowners can
use these tips to prevent frozen pipes even while away from home or traveling
for the holidays.

Cover faucets and exposed pipes with insulation, or wrap them with thick towels.

If you live in an old house built over an unheated crawl space, turn up
the heat to increase the airflow and temperature to protect your pipes.

Have a neighbor check during below freezing temperatures to ensure nothing
has frozen.

Consider a leak alarm or automatic water shutoff system.

As a last resort, you can turn off the main water valve while the house
is unoccupied or while you sleep. If a pipe freezes and breaks, the spillage
will be limited only to the water in the pipe.

These few steps are the keys to avoiding frozen pipes. While many of these
tips help in most scenarios, sometimes weather changes unexpectedly. What
do you do if your pipes still freeze? Don't panic. Just because they're
frozen doesn't mean they've already burst or caused any permanent
damage. If they do freeze here are some further tips to address the issue.

Turn off the water at the shut-off valve

Open the nearest faucet - this allows water to drain out as the ice melts

Don't try to defrost using an open flame; this is very dangerous and
not advised!

Call the nearest local
Mr. RooterPlumbing shop, which has electric thawing machines.

If pipes have burst and need immediate repair, or turning on faucets produces
no water, you should call a qualified plumber.

Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water: You could
be electrocuted.

If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main
shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure
everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how
to open and close.